by Gail Kavanagh

Created on: January 05, 2009

Making your own refreshing, scented talcum powder at home is easier than you think. All you need is two simple household ingredients and essential oil in the fragrance of your choice.

The basic ingredients you will need are simple cornstarch (or arrowroot powder) and baking soda. Even the measurements are easy to rememer - equa parts of the cornstarch and baking powder mixed in a bowl. The baking powder adds deodorising qualities. Stir the two well together with a wooden spoon,or if you have a flour sifter, sift them together into a bowl.

Now allyou need to do is add a fewdrops of essentialoil nd mix well into the powder so that it is completely distributed. Yourhome madetalcum powder is ready to be put into a shaker, or a pretty box with its own powder puff.

You can use plain unscented powder for children and babies, or if you prefer unscented,but why not experiment with the oils to create a fragrance unique to you? You will also find the scented powder an invaluable aromatherapy aid.

Try these deliciously fragrant recipes:

Summer Gardens Talcum Powder

Sift half a cup of baking soda and half a cup of cornstarch together and add a few drops each of rose, lily of the valley and geranium essential oils. Mix well and sore in a clean empty shaker or box.

Citrus Delicious Talcum Powder

Sift half a cup of baking soda and half a cup of cornstarch together and dd a few drops each of lemon essential oil, lemon vrbena oil and orange flower water (use a dropper for this as shaking the bottle can soak the powder mix).Mix well together and storein a shaker or box.

Cleopatra's Talcum Powder

Mix equal quantities of baking powder and cornstarch as before, and add a few drops each of ylang ylang, rose and patchouli oils. Store this powder n a silk lined box and use for very special ocassions!

Pepper Up Talcum Powder

Make your basic powder mix with equal quantities of baking soda and cornstrach and add a few drps each of cinnamon, ginger and lemon grass. It is guaranteed to pep you up when stored in a shaker.

Summer Soother Talcum Poder

Make up your basic powder mix and add a few drops each of rosemary, lavender and tea tree oils. This powder with soothe itchysummer skin whe shaen on, or patted on with a thick powder puff.

Experiment with other essential oil mixtures to find one that is right for you - add the same oil blend to half a cup of vodka and half a cup of witch hazel mixed together, store in a spray bottle, and you have a cologne spritzer to go with your talcum powder in your very own signature fragrance!

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